At Bucknell University, charges of academic misconduct, which Bucknell calls academic irresponsibility, are handled by the Board of Review on Academic Responsibility. Each case is heard by a panel of three faculty members and two students, or by a smaller expedited panel when the student accepts responsibility and has no prior findings. Bucknell describes the system as designed to avoid direct confrontation between student and professor, encourage consistent penalties, and protect individual rights. Bucknell’s adviser rule is explicit: the adviser must be a member of the university community and may not be a practicing attorney.
A note on policies: universities revise their policies and procedures over time, and the process that governs any particular case is the one in effect for that case. This article describes the general structure of Bucknell’s process as the university has published it. Bucknell’s current academic responsibility policies are the controlling source.
How Does a Bucknell Case Begin?
Faculty members report possible academic irresponsibility to the associate dean of the college in which the student is enrolled.
According to Bucknell, the faculty member’s report includes the syllabus statement or any discussion about academic misconduct, along with the student’s current grade in the course. The student then writes a letter to the associate dean describing the events that led to the alleged violation. Once the file is complete, the Registrar’s Office schedules a Board of Review hearing.
Who Sits on a Bucknell Board of Review Panel?
A standard panel has five members: three faculty members and two students. The registrar serves as the board’s permanent non-voting secretary.
For cases where the student accepts responsibility and hasn’t previously been found responsible for academic misconduct, Bucknell allows an expedited review by a three-member panel of two faculty members and one student.
What Happens at the Hearing?
The panel determines whether Bucknell’s policy on academic responsibility was violated and, if so, the appropriate penalty. The faculty member who brought the charge may attend.
After the hearing, the board secretary reports the decision to the associate dean, who reports it in writing to the student and the faculty member. Bucknell’s penalties range from a grade of F on the work to permanent dismissal from the university.
Can a Student Have an Adviser at Bucknell?
Yes, but Bucknell states that the adviser must be a member of the university community, may not be a practicing attorney, and is present solely to advise and assist the student.
Where Are Bucknell Records Kept?
According to Bucknell, Board of Review records are kept in the Registrar’s Office in confidential files separate from the student’s academic record.
Can a Bucknell Decision Be Appealed?
Yes. A student may appeal a Board of Review decision to the dean of the college where the course resides; for cross-listed courses spanning multiple colleges, the student’s own dean hears the appeal. The student presents a written statement explaining the reason for the appeal and any evidence that wasn’t available at the hearing, within the period Bucknell sets. The dean may consult an ad hoc advisory committee. For more on appeals generally, see appealing an academic misconduct decision.
Common Misconceptions About Bucknell Cases
“My professor decides the penalty.” Bucknell routes charges to the Board of Review, partly to encourage consistent penalties.
“I don’t need to write anything.” The student writes a letter to the associate dean describing the events before the hearing.
“My lawyer can be my adviser.” Bucknell states the adviser may not be a practicing attorney.
“A finding goes on my transcript.” Bucknell keeps Board of Review records in confidential files separate from the academic record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides academic misconduct cases at Bucknell?
The Board of Review on Academic Responsibility, through a panel of three faculty members and two students.
Is there a faster process at Bucknell if I accept responsibility?
Yes. Bucknell allows an expedited three-member panel for students who accept responsibility and have no prior findings.
Can an attorney be my adviser at Bucknell?
No. Bucknell states that the adviser must be a member of the university community and may not be a practicing attorney.
Can I get outside help with a Bucknell academic misconduct case?
Yes, behind the scenes. Students can work with an outside advisor to prepare the letter to the associate dean, their evidence, and any appeal.
Getting Help With a Bucknell Case
Bucknell’s Board of Review process is an internal university proceeding, not a court case, and Bucknell doesn’t allow practicing attorneys to serve as advisers at hearings. Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who serves as an advisor to students in university academic integrity and disciplinary processes nationwide. He works with Bucknell students behind the scenes, helping them prepare the letter to the associate dean, organize their evidence, get ready for the Board of Review hearing, and prepare any appeal. Every case turns on its specific facts and on the policies in effect at the time. Learn more about Richard Asselta or call 855-338-5299.